At First Law Solicitors, we help individuals and families across the United Kingdom prepare Powers of Attorney that protect their interests and ensure their wishes are respected. A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions or take action on your behalf if you are unable, or prefer not, to do so yourself. Our solicitors guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your documents are properly prepared, registered and legally effective.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives another person, known as the attorney, authority to act on your behalf. There are several types of Powers of Attorney, each designed for different situations and needs.
An Ordinary Power of Attorney gives someone authority to manage your financial affairs while you still have mental capacity. It is commonly used for short-term or temporary situations, such as when you are abroad or recovering from illness.
A Lasting Power of Attorney continues to operate if you lose mental capacity. There are two forms of Lasting Power of Attorney. A Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney allows your attorney to manage your finances, property and bills. A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney allows your attorney to make decisions about medical treatment, care and living arrangements. Lasting Powers of Attorney must be signed and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.
Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney in 2007, but older Enduring Powers of Attorney made before that date may still be valid. Our solicitors can help you check whether an existing Enduring Power of Attorney remains effective and assist with registration or updating where appropriate.
Our solicitors provide clear and personal advice on creating and registering Powers of Attorney that reflect your circumstances and preferences. We help you choose suitable attorneys and decide how they should act, prepare and complete the correct Power of Attorney documents, ensure that signing and witnessing requirements are met, and manage registration with the Office of the Public Guardian. We also explain how your Power of Attorney will operate in practice and how it should be stored securely.
If you already have a Lasting Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney, we can review it to confirm that it still reflects your wishes and complies with current legal requirements. We also assist families where a loved one has lost mental capacity and no Power of Attorney is in place, advising on applications to the Court of Protection for deputyship where necessary.
Since 2025, the Office of the Public Guardian has introduced a secure online registration and verification process for Lasting Powers of Attorney. Our solicitors ensure that your Power of Attorney complies with the latest digital and identity verification standards under the Digital Verification Services framework, which uses Qualified Electronic Signatures to confirm authenticity and reduce the risk of fraud.
All personal information is handled securely and in full compliance with UK GDPR and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, under the oversight of the Information Commission, formerly the ICO.
At First Law Solicitors, we take time to understand your personal circumstances and ensure that your Power of Attorney reflects your values, family arrangements and long-term plans. We explain everything clearly, without unnecessary legal jargon, so that you and your chosen attorneys understand how and when the document can be used. Every Power of Attorney we prepare is drafted with care, fully compliant with current UK law, and ready for registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
If you would like to make or update a Power of Attorney, contact First Law Solicitors today. Our experienced solicitors provide clear and supportive guidance to help you plan ahead with confidence.
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